Body check
by Robert Hirschfeld
Little, Brown 2003
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- teamwork
- sportsmanship
- perseverance
- identity
- peer pressure
- friendship
- resilience
About this book
A fast-paced middle-grade sports story centered on youth ice hockey. A dedicated player must navigate rough-and-tumble competition, team dynamics, and the pressure to win while figuring out what kind of teammate and person he wants to be. Readers who love the rink action will enjoy the vivid game scenes and relatable locker-room moments. Great for hockey fans and anyone who likes stories about perseverance and teamwork.
Setting: contemporary youth hockey leagues in a Northeastern U.S. town
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Body check right for my child?
Yes — Body check is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.4, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include teamwork, sportsmanship, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Body check?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Body check takes around 3.2h to finish. The book has 29,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Body check have an AR quiz?
Yes — Body check has an AR quiz available, worth 4 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Body check?
Body check has an AR reading level of 4.4, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.